Unlock the Thrills of Maryland Racing in 2025

January 18 - A Grand Start to the Season

The action kicks off on January 18 with a diverse lineup of stakes. The Jennings race welcomes 4-year-olds and up, both Maryland-bred and sired, with a purse of $75,000 over 1 mile. The Geisha race for fillies and mares 4 and up, also Maryland-bred or sired, offers the same distance and purse. Additionally, the Fire Plug for 4-year-olds and up at 6 1/2 furlongs and the What a Summer for fillies and mares 4 and up over 6 furlongs add to the excitement.

These early races set the tone for the upcoming months, providing a platform for horses and jockeys to showcase their skills and compete for valuable purses. It's a time of anticipation and excitement as the racing season begins in earnest.

February 15 - A Double Dose of Prestige

On February 15, Laurel Park hosts a four-stakes program that includes two $200,000 races. The General George (G3) for 4-year-olds and up over 7 furlongs is a historical race that has seen some of the best horses compete. Last year, Maryland-bred Post Time won this prestigious race and went on to capture other notable titles. The Barbara Fritchie (G3) for fillies and mares 4 and up over 7 furlongs is another classic race with a rich history. Champions like Xtra Heat have won this race and been inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Alongside these two major races, the John B. Campbell for 4-year-olds and up over 1 1/8 miles and the Nellie Morse for fillies and mares 4 and up over 1 1/16 miles add to the excitement. It's a day of high-stakes competition and a celebration of the sport's traditions.

March 22 - Stretching the Distance

As the season progresses, the Laurel Park stakes series for 3-year-old males begins to take shape. The $100,000 Spectacular Bid at 7 furlongs on January 25 is followed by the $100,000 Miracle Wood at a one-turn mile on February 22. These races offer young horses the opportunity to gradually stretch out in distance and prepare for the challenges ahead.

The first two-turn race of the series is the $100,000 Private Terms at 1 1/16 miles on March 22. This race provides a crucial stepping stone for the 3-year-olds as they prepare for the Federico Tesio at 1 1/8 miles on April 19. It's a time of growth and development for these young horses, and the stakes races play a vital role in their training and preparation.

April 19 - Triple Crown Preview

April 19 is a big day in Maryland racing as two of the most important stakes of the season take place. The Weber City Miss for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles and the Federico Tesio for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles offer significant purses and a chance to earn a spot in the Triple Crown. Any Triple Crown-nominated runner that wins the Federico Tesio will earn a starting gate berth in the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 17. The winner of the Weber City Miss will receive an automatic berth in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) at Pimlico on May 16.

These races are a highlight of the spring meet and attract top horses and trainers from across the country. It's a time of intense competition and excitement as the horses battle it out for glory and the chance to make history.

Conclusion

The 2025 winter-spring calendar at Laurel Park promises to be a thrilling season of thoroughbred racing. With a diverse range of stakes races and significant purses, there will be plenty of excitement and drama on the track. Whether you're a fan of the sport or a casual observer, these races are not to be missed.